Quentin Tarantino Spends New Year’s With ‘Hateful Eight’ Moviegoers

Many filmmakers with films in the Oscar hunt have shut it down to celebrate the holidays. Not Quentin Tarantino.The Hateful Eight helmer has so far visited showings of his movie in Hollywood, Portland and Austin, heading into the weekend. For the latter, Tarantino showed the film, and then did a Q&A with Robert Rodriguez at the Draft House. Tarantino and Rodriguez are long time buddies who’ve teamed on projects including From Dusk Till Dawn and Grindhouse. They turned the bloodsucker tale From Dusk Till Dawn into a beachhead series project for Rodriguez’s El Rey network launch. Tarantino surprised fans at all of the showings, and introduced the movie, staying to greet the crowd and sign programs as the film rolled out into wide release.

Big Tarantino fan and was really looking forward to Hateful Eight. Like most of his work, this film has wonderful production value and a solid cast. The problem is that it is not as well written as previous efforts, and quite frankly, it is only Tarantino’s hubris which justifies the use the 70MM lenses. No matter how much Tarantino tries…this is no epic western. It is no epic anything.

Can’t believe folks in theaters had to endure an overture and intermission. Tarantino can use all the tricks and tools to make an epic film, but the story and subject matter must justify this. It is not justified in Hateful Eight.

Not a bad film, but just not epic. Sadly, a letdown for me, because I expect and want so much from Tarantino.

Confused • on Jan 2, 2016 9:06 pm

The overture and intermission were wonderful and added to the experience.

Whether you like or dislike the Hateful Eight. We all have to admit it is entertaining. The film had me shocked, laughing and thinking. I enjoyed it plain and simple!

MBL • on Jan 2, 2016 9:58 pm

i really liked the film. Well writtten, brilliantly acted and incredibly entertaining.

Lady Helen Highwater • on Jan 3, 2016 7:08 am

Whatever happened to the boycott of this film ?

Were there any protest, waving banners, people speaking out ?

Benten • on Jan 3, 2016 7:28 am

Truly enjoyed the entire experience. The Overture was wonderful. You sat back and listened to the Morricone score. It wasn’t until the next day, at The Revenant, that I realized I hadn’t been pummeled with endless commercials with the lights on, followed by inappropriate trailers with the lights dimmed (before turning off for the film). The Intermission was fantastic, with the dramatic line reading before the blackout! Everyone applauded. We had a leisurely break; some people drank coffee and we talked a little about the film. I loved the audio track from the film print. Tarantino is right — the film experience is better. He also dusted off vintage lenses and made a template for projections in the future, including finding qualified projectionists. One of the aspects I haven’t seen discussed is — how did the Weinstein Company talk the exhibitors into removing the commercials and trailers? I’m happy the exhibitors are making so much money from Star Wars that they didn’t notice.

One final thought – for those who say that this pulp film didn’t “deserve” to be shot on 70mm – it’s precisely why it should be. Films like the Master, Interstellar or Hateful Eight open up the tool box. I like seeing different kinds of images in 70mm. I submit that “Eight” is one of the best uses of 70mm, highlighting the staging and the beautifully lit interiors. It’s a better use of 70mm than cr*p like Krakatoa or the Sound of Music.

Geez- talk about snooze fest. I didn’t it was possible to remake Resevoir Dogs as a western.. but here it is.

Anonymous • on Jan 6, 2016 11:54 pm

Greatest movie I have seen 40 years.I can’t believe people are so inept.Tarantino is a genius.pure genius.I drove 40 miles in a rainstorm Christmas eve 70mm showing at 10 pm and was met with a sale out crowd.and everyone loved it in fact gave standing ovation at end at the amc studio 30 in Houston.whoever is saying this is bad movie is wrong wrong wrong!!!!I’ve seen every movie last year to current even star wars and nothing could even come close.my wife saw it twice and I’ve seen it four times.no movie past are present has done that. It was fabulous.it will take off word getting out there.my hats off to actors director,and music and film crew.what we witnessed was historical event.don’t let the shallow minded political correct sheeple talk you out of this one.it’s the real deal 5 stars and a Oscars dream best actors,director,(film and music).a masterpiece$$$$$!!!!!.Carl galveston.

Anonymous • on Jan 8, 2016 8:28 pm

Update went into revelant at special 630 show left and went and saw you got it hateful eight again.the hateful eight is powerful experience and the acting music Tarantino pure art and historical movie.what a great treat.I enjoyed the other people’s shock and laughter watching the movie for first time. Go see this Oscar movie.it should win everything.loved it.did go back saw revelant and hateful eight wins hands down.people will see for themselves hopefully on big screen 70mm.Carl galveston

Anonymous • on Jan 10, 2016 11:38 am

Last time gonna post go see revelant and hateful eight. Eight is better movie.it should win picture of the year.when it comes to westerns if you like Clint Eastwood movies you will certainly like hateful eight.tombstone started out slow out the gate at theaters and when word got out it sky rocketed to legendary status and. So will hateful eight.

Anonymous • on Jan 13, 2016 9:19 pm

I was right word of mouth is getting around about this great movie.I was checking out mojo and the numbers are building again world wide and at home.yes there has been controversy but the movie is a masterpiece and everyone should see it on big screen on 70mm.every body I talk with say it’s fabulous.no there isn’t a robot it’s a grown up movie.grown ups will laugh be shocked and feel they are in the snowy Rocky mountains at the haberdashery that the ultra provision 70mm provides.the horses galloping in the snow is simply beautiful.when the movie starts you will see Jesus hanging on a cross. And the Erie music begins .Carl from galveston.